I would have to believe that Coinbase would bias this in their favor, which would call into question the credibility of the article.
Of course, but this is not a strong biased article, some points are simply facts. I think some points should be explained better but is an interesting short article
If bitcoin is primarily mined with hydroelectric power in china… isn’t that increasing the demand for power? wouldn’t that energy end up used or sold elsewhere if not consumed by bitcoin?
No no no, bitcoin is perfectly configured to incentivise technological leaps in renewable energy that increase availability, without itself consuming the entire benefit it generates. See also ASIC production, where bitcoin is also affecting the market in the best way you could imagine, and all the hardware is integrated in a circular chain of consumption.
I'll believe it when it's peer reviewed research. The main argument is that it uses renewables. But that same energy could be used elsewhere and offset other polluting energy sources. Unless of course there is just a huge general over provision of renewables. But I don't believe that's the case.